A Guide to Chester

Chester is one of the North West’s most captivating cities. Brimming with enriching history and culture, coupled with its effortlessly fashionable spirit, Chester has something to offer everyone. Why not indulge in some exclusive shopping on the Rows, relax by the River Dee or enjoy a trip to the Zoo?Whether you are looking for a fun-filled break with friends, an action-packed family holiday, or a romantic break with a loved one, make Chester your destination of choice.

Where to Stay

LateRooms has an extensive range of Chester Hotels which include many of Cheshire’s villages and rural locations, such as Lymm, Knutsford, Tarporley, Whitchurch and Crewe. To make the most of what Chester has to offer, why not stay for two nights, which can often be better value overall.

LateRooms Tip

For large events in the area (such as the Chester Races), accommodation availability can be limited, so plan your trip and book early.

The Arkle

The Arkle is a French restaurant named after the race horse owned by the late Duchess of Westminster.

Having retained its Michelin star for 17 years, the restaurant sources local produce and use it to make innovative and imaginative dishes, perfect for any gourmet food lover. Just ensure you are dressed for the occasion: no jeans allowed.

Siam Thai and Teppan-Yaki Restaurant

32 City Road, Chester, CH1 3AE, Tel: +44(0)1244 403222

Siam has earned itself a good reputation as the first Teppan-yaki restaurant in Chester.

Theatre & Entertainment

Across Chester and Cheshire there are some great theatre events, all making for a magical night out. For more information drop into the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall, or next to the Amphitheatre. Below are some of the more unique events which make Chester and Cheshire a great place to go.

Open air theatre at Gawsworth Hall

Church Lane, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 9RN

Nestled in the picturesque Cheshire countryside, Gawsworth Hall runs an annual open air theatre season from June to August.

With open-air and undercover areas, it’s the perfect way to while away a Summer’s afternoon and enjoy an evening of theatrical entertainment. Featuring classics such as Romeo and Juliet and the Importance of Being Ernest, as well as modern sensations such as Hayley Westenra and The Opera Babes.

Clonter Opera Theatre

Swettenham Heath, Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 2LR

Originally set in a basic barn with straw bales for seats, the evening of opera was the brainchild of Jeffery Lockett to raise money for Cancer Relief.

Today the concerts are held in a 400 seat venue surrounded by bluebell woods, with indoor picnic facilities as well as private dining options.

The Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival

Usually takes place over the Easter bank holiday weekend.

Every year the market town of Nantwich in Cheshire hosts a popular music festival which sees the place come alive with a variety of jazz, blues and soul artists.

There are many free gigs throughout the town, as well as performances from many famous jazz and blues legends.

Hallé Fireworks and Light Spectacular Concert

The Hallé play a series of classic hits, and end their performance with a spectacular fireworks display to tantalise the senses.

Part of Tatton Park’s Picnic Concerts which are extremely popular.

Creamfields

Daresbury Estate, Halton, Cheshire, WA4 4AR

An annual event taking place on the bank holiday Saturday in August and lasts from 15:00 to 06:00 on the Sunday morning.

The event offers the chance to see an eclectic mix of the best and upcoming acts from the dance scene in one massive festival.

RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park

Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

Showcasing a range of the best gardens in all shapes and sizes, as well as offering hundreds of exhibitors. If you love gardening this event is a must.

For the Kids

Chester Zoo

Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1LH

The UK's number one zoo. There are 7,000 animals across 400 species, including the endangered black rhinoceroses. Visit the special twilight zone to see bats interact in their own environment, and also one of the biggest jaguar enclosures in the world.

A great place to visit for all the family, open most of the year round.

Opening times:

From 10:00Closing times vary from 15:30 in low season to 17:00 at peak times.

Anderton Boat Lift

Lift Lane, Anderton, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6FW

Known as the "Cathedral of the Canals" this is England’s only boat lift. It was also the first to exist in the world, taking boats 50 feet up, between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal.

Visitors can ride the lift, and take a look at the Operations Centre which houses educational facilities as well as an interactive exhibition.

Opening times:

January and December: closedApril to September: open dailyMarch and November: open Thursday to Sunday FebruaryOctober: Open Wednesday to Sunday

Tatton Park

Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6QN

With 1,000 acres for the children to run wild in, Tatton Park is a great family day out. There is a farm where you can buy homemade ice cream, and the birth of the piglets is always popular with visitors.

As well as the farm there is a children’s play area and a beech maze for you to explore.

Shopping

Chester is renowned for its fantastic shopping and every year it attracts many visitors purely for this reason. From a pick of designer names to a great array of high street and independent stores, there is much for the shopaholic to discover in Chester.

The Rows

The Rows are one of Chester’s main attractions, and house a range of high street stores as well as individual boutiques.

The black and white timber Rows date back to the 13th century, although today most are Victorian replicas.

Designer and Independent Stores

Quellyn Roberts

1 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LB, Tel +44 (0)1244 310455

This is a family run traditional wine merchant with an extensive range of wine, port, whisky, and spirits.

Counter Culture

21 Eastgate Row North, Chester, CH1 1LQ - +44 (0)1244 312 288

A unique shop, which was an Independent Retail Jeweller of the Year finalist in 2006.

Stocks jewellery from over 50 independent designers, and offers both male and female ranges.

Tessuti

14-20 Watergate Street, Chester, CH1 2LA, +44 (0)1244 400060

Established in 1985, with three stores across the North West and Wales, Tessuti offers the best in designer fashion with many up-and-coming designers.